Dear W3C Patent Policy Working Group:
I am concerned about the recent Patent Policy Framework draft, which
could allow W3C members to charge royalty fees for technologies included
in web standards.
In particular, I object to the inclusion of a "reasonable and non-
discriminatory" (RAND) licensing option in the proposed policy. I
believe that the best standard that can be hammered out with free or
waived fee (RF) technology is in the best interests of the Internet
community.
Traditionally the W3C has always tried to promote technical
interoperability and sane standards and thus encouraged cooperation for
the good of us all. The Internet needs to remain an open and free forum
with open and free standards. The W3C can best continue its work of
"leading the Web to its full potential" by continuing this tradition.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this most important issue.
Sincerely,
Randall J. Rieman